DIR Floortime 
Therapy in 
North East Florida

DIR/Floortime has been studied in several research trials and systematic reviews, and the evidence suggests it can support meaningful growth in children’s social, emotional, and communication skills. DIR/Floortime in Engaging Autism: A Systematic Review (2023, Divya et al.) found that children showed substantial progress in emotional functioning, communication, and daily living skills. Parents also reported improved interactions and stronger connections with their children. Child Development Outcomes of DIR/Floortime TM-based Programs: A Systematic Review” (2020, Boshoff et al.) found positive effects for socio-emotional development (e.g. better relationship building, emotional understanding).

It may look like we're "just playing," but every interaction is carefully planned with your child's individual developmental profile in mind. Each child's unique strengths and areas of need across communication, emotional development, social interaction, sensory processing, regulation, and thinking are considered when designing the session. Each playful interaction is designed to gently stretch your child's developmental abilities and help them take the next step in building communication, relationships, emotional regulation, and social understanding.

Absolutely. Many children with ADHD benefit from DIR® Floortime because it supports the skills that are often most challenging for them, including attention, emotional regulation, flexible thinking, impulse control, and navigating friendships. Rather than asking children to sit still or fit into a structured activity, Floortime uses their interests to build engagement from within.

Many children with a PDA/ODD profile thrive with DIR® Floortime because the approach is built on relationships, collaboration, and intrinsic motivation rather than demands or compliance.Instead of focusing on getting a child to "do what they're told," Floortime seeks to understand why demands feel overwhelming. Floortime is particularly beneficial for children with a demand avoidant profile as it builds emotional safety and creates opportunities for shared problem-solving.

Yes. As a Speech-Language Pathologist, communication is at the heart of everything I do. While DIR® Floortime looks different from traditional table-based therapy, every session is intentionally designed to support your child's speech, language, and social communication goals. Rather than practicing speech and language in isolation using worksheets, your child learns to use them in real, motivating interactions where communication has a genuine purpose."

Yes. When appropriate, parent involvement is an important part of DIR® Floortime. I believe some of the most meaningful progress happens when families understand not just what we're working on, but why. Throughout the therapy process, I'll share strategies and coaching to help you support your child's communication, play, emotional regulation, and social development during everyday routines and interactions at home.

Yes! Parents are an essential part of the process. Sessions often involve guiding parents to use Floortime strategies at home so the connection and progress continue beyond the clinic or session. Many families find that these techniques deepen their bond and make everyday moments—like playtime or mealtime—more enjoyable and meaningful.